BUCYRUS — With emergency and safety forces personnel at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, many run a higher risk of contracting the virus, even leadership and chiefs of police.
In a post on the Bucyrus Police Department Facebook page, Bucyrus Police Chief Dave Koepke announced Saturday night that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
In the post, he announced he originally believed his symptoms to be caused by seasonal allergies, but quarantined himself at home once the symptoms began to worsen.
Koepke said his symptoms include a hacking cough and being unable to expectorate the obstructions in his lungs, all-over muscle pain, chills and a fever. He said his eye sockets are causing him pain, he has occasional dizziness and his scalp hurts to touch.
“Definitely take it serious,” Koepke said. “(I’m) struggling with a nosebleed and I can feel how it affects both lungs.”
He said he is not on prescription medication yet, but is taking over-the-counter medication, drinking a lot of fluids and eating easily-swallowed foods like soup. If his condition worsens, he said he will have to report to the local hospital’s emergency department.
Koepke said he was practicing social distancing, but the virus still found him.
“Despite all efforts to #SocialDistance it is a stark reminder of how highly contagious it is. I am resting at home and look forward to returning in two weeks,” Koepke said.
Kopeke asked area residents to follow social distancing and use precautions to remain healthy.
As of April 25 at 2 p.m., Crawford County had 37 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and no COVID-19-related deaths.